Bioflavonoid Coating on Polymers for Antimicrobial Adhesion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Synthetic polymeric materials lack effective antimicrobial coatings, particularly for applications like food packaging and medical devices, due to difficulties in adhering bioflavonoid compositions, which are not readily absorbed by these surfaces.
Innovation Solution
Development of polymeric materials with a bioflavonoid coating comprising naringin and neohesperidin, often in combination with other bioflavonoids, oleuropein, and organic acids, applied using techniques like immersion or spraying, enhanced by plasma treatment to improve adhesion and thickness, creating a durable and effective antimicrobial layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bioflavonoid compositions are applied to synthetic polymeric materials, then antimicrobial properties are achieved, but adhesion to the polymer surface is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs plasma treatment as an intermediary process that modifies the polymer surface to create better adhesion between the bioflavonoid coating and the synthetic polymer. The plasma treatment creates reactive groups on the polymer surface that enhance the bonding of bioflavonoid compounds, thereby resolving the adhesion problem while maintaining antimicrobial effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the surface energy and chemical composition parameters of the polymer through plasma treatment. This modification alters the surface properties to be more compatible with bioflavonoid compositions, improving adhesion without compromising the antimicrobial function of the coating.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If plasma treatment is used to enhance coating adhesion, then coating durability is improved, but processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma treatment is applied as a preliminary step before coating application. This pre-treatment prepares the surface in advance, ensuring optimal adhesion conditions are established before the bioflavonoid coating is applied, thereby simplifying the overall process flow and enhancing coating durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical adhesion methods with plasma-based chemical bonding. This substitution eliminates the need for complex mechanical surface preparation techniques while achieving superior and more durable adhesion through chemical modification of the surface.
3Duration of action of moving object
If bioflavonoid coating is applied to extend shelf life, then antimicrobial protection is enhanced, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The plasma treatment creates a porous or roughened surface structure that increases the surface area and provides better mechanical interlocking for the bioflavonoid coating. This enhances the effectiveness of the antimicrobial protection, extending shelf life while using reasonable amounts of coating material, thereby controlling manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite structure combining the synthetic polymer base material with the bioflavonoid coating layer. This composite approach leverages the benefits of both materials - the durability and processability of synthetic polymers combined with the natural antimicrobial properties of bioflavonoids - achieving extended shelf life at manageable manufacturing costs.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The bioflavonoid coating significantly reduces bacterial counts on packaged food and medical devices, extending shelf life and preventing oxidation, while maintaining antibacterial and antioxidant properties for an extended period.
Implementation Method 1
enhanced by plasma treatment to improve adhesion and thickness
Implementation Method 2
difficulties in adhering bioflavonoid compositions
Data Source
AI summary
Polymeric materials are described which have a bioflavonoid coating, the bioflavonoid content of the coating comprising at least naringin and neohesperidin. The use of such coated polymeric materials is also described as well as the process for making the coated polymeric materials.